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Diagnosing "vulnerable system syndrome": an essential prerequisite to effective risk management

¹ Psychology Department, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
² Cardiothoracic Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London WC1N 3JH and Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK

Professor J T Reason, 6 Red Lane, Disley, Cheshire SK12 2NP, UK reason{at}redlane.demon.co.uk Investigations of accidents in a number of hazardous domains suggest that a cluster of organisational pathologies—the "vulnerable system syndrome" (VSS)—render some systems more liable to adverse events. This syndrome has three interacting and self-perpetuating elements: blaming front line individuals, denying the existence of systemic error provoking weaknesses, and the blinkered pursuit of productive and financial indicators. VSS is present to some degree in all organisations, and the ability to recognise its symptoms is an essential skill in the progress towards improved patient safety. Two kinds of organisational learning are discussed: "single loop" learning that fuels and sustains VSS and "double loop" learning that is necessary to start breaking free from it.

Key Words: vulnerable system syndrome; risk management; patient safety; learning

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